Non-Sequential Writing

One of the differences between writing for electronic media and writing for print is that many forms of electronic media support non-sequential writing. Sequential writing is the more familiar, with an order imposed upon the content 1) by the linear nature of print, or 2) by the dependencies of argument, order or other structure.

In non-sequential writing, information is presented in discreet chunks, without dependency on any other chunks. Chunks can be linked, of course, and packaged together, but each chunk should be able to stand on its own, as far as understanding by the audience.

For this exercise, practice writing in chunks. Use the "Today's Front Pages" website at the Newseum. Pick a newspaper from four different time zones in the United States, and write a short summary of the news presented on the front page. Each front page (one from each time zone) should be a discreet chunk. Post each chunk as a separate post to your blog. If you want to try it, try inserting a hot link to the other chunks (we'll get into this more later).